Might sound like a dumb question, but...

If your unloaded I would start in third and don't shift until you're completely through the intersection. If loaded first then seconed then don't shift until through the Intersection.

 

Depends how heavy you are.Been so long I don't even pay attention anymore,but if you are heavy you will need a lower gear,BUT DEFINITELY NOT FIRST GEAR!!! You'll find that sweet spot according to how heavy and if you are at a complete stop. If I'm still rolling,I'll just find the closest gear that she wants...but if I'm light I'm in a higher gear,and if I'm bob tailing I'm usually in 4th when I take off.

i didn't go to a truck driving school ,so not sure how they teach you,but I gotta say,the whole gear thing was the hardest for me to learn! I drove about 1500 miles under my first load before I figured it out!!! Lol I think this forum is great,wish I would've had something like this when I started trucking bc seems there are a lot of good people on here that are willing to help.

Good luck driver,take your time and "KEEP ON TRUCKQUEEN"

 

Today was day two for me with a trainer.
I found, that it depended on the situation, as others have already mentioned. But, I was usually in 3rd if still in motion when rounding a turn. Unless I was already stopped, then I seldom started lower than 2nd.

 

First of all, that is the most bad*** avatar ever!


As far as gears, try this trick: If your speed ends with a 5, (5, 15, 25 MPH), add the digits together, and shift into that gear.
For example, you're going 15 MPH. 1+5 = 6, so you'd be in 6th gear. YMMV, slightly.

If you pull a tanker, go slower than you think you need to.

 

I drive a straight 10 and pretty much use 6th as my turning gear unless it is a very tight turn and I am very heavy. The difference between 5th and 6th gear is around 4 mph, so not really worth going down further to me. My truck will pull in 6th from 10 mph and at 15 I am shifting to 7th.

 

5th from rolling when empty or light. 3rd maybe 4th when loaded.

 

When in doubt take the turn slow. Never, ever get in a rush to make a turn. If you can't make the light then stop. Its only a few seconds of your time so its best to be safe.

 

You're right,,,experience through time in the seat. Things you'll come to learn is loaded/unloaded, tightness of curve, width of roadway and remembering most of all,,,,it is a truck!